Naked gardener raises hackles in Happy Valley

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. – Steven J. Howatt, 56, prefers gardening in the nude, and his neighbors consider that rude.

After several complaints, the Happy Valley City Council has scheduled a public meeting tonight on a proposal to outlaw nudity visible from public locations. Violators would be subject to a $1,000 fine.

But City Attorney Tom Sponsler, who drafted the ordinance, said it might not be that simple.

As offensive as Howatt’s behavior may seem to some people, Sponsler said, the ordinance could face legal challenge because Oregon law does not prohibit nudity on private property unless the exposure is sexual. There have been no such complaints against Howatt.

Howatt, who has lived in Happy Valley for 17 years, told councilors at their Sept. 18 meeting that he considered some comments made by neighbors at a previous meeting defamatory and he would explore his legal options.

Neighbors told the City Council they asked Howatt to put on some clothes while working in his garden, mowing his lawn or walking around his property, but he has declined their requests.

“He’s taken the position it’s his God-given right to do that,” neighbor Mike McIrvin said.

Efforts to reach Howatt at his Happy Valley home have been unsuccessful.